HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 1

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Living organisms are made up of cells. Cells with the same function come together creating tissue.
Tissues group together to form organs. Organs that work together form systems which make up the
human body. One of these systems is the nervous system.

CELLS-----TISSUES------ORGANS------SYSTEMS
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 2

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The brain and the spinal cord make up our central
nervous system
The brain controls our nervous system. It is
protected by the skull (or cranium). It is made up of
three main parts.

The cerebrum is the biggest part of our

brain. This is where we process the
information from our senses and where we
do our cognitive thinking. We use
the cerebrum to take decisions, to study or to
play a game.
The main role of the cerebellum is controlling our movements, coordination and balance.
The brain stem is the continuation of the spinal cord. It controls involuntary actions such as
our heartbeat breathing and sleeping.

THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves. Nerves are made up of tiny cells
called neurons that transfer information through the nervous system using electrical and chemical
signals. Different neurons carry out different tasks.
Eye
Ear
Sensory neurons collect information from our sense organs. Nose
Tongue
Skin

The brain interprets the information and sends signals to the rest of the body.

Motor neurons send messages from the brain ton

our locomotor system.
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 3

QUESTIONS

1. Study the different parts of the body in the box. What functions do they have? Copy
and complete the table.

bones brain eyes neurons skin muscles skeleton

taste buds joints spinal cord nerves nostrils tongue

Receiving information:

Processing information:

Giving a response:

2. Decide if the following movements are voluntary (V) or involuntary (I).

Breathing
Playing the guitar
Bliking
Reading

3. Fill the gap with one word.

The ______ controls our nervous system.

The _______ protects our brain.
Our reflex actions are controlled by the ____________ .
Light enters our eyes through the cornea and ___________.
________covers and protects our whole body.
Bones make up the ___________.
Parts of the skull are connected by___________ .
____________-are important for movement.
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

READING 2 EMOTIONS AND TEENAGERS

Where are emotions located?

The mind is incredibly complex, but we cannot open up the brain and see emotions, dreams and
memory at work.
Psychologists study human behaviour to try to understand how our minds work. However, we do know
that the parts of the brain involved with emotional responses and memory are very active. This is the
limbic system which is found below the cerebrum on both sides of the brain.

Growing up
Adolescence is often a difficult time for humans. Teenagers can be confrontational and rebellious;
arguments between teenagers and their parents or teachers are common. However, by
early adulthood, these tendencies almost completely disappear.
Scientists believe that adolescence is such a difficult period because the emotional part of the brain
develops much faster than the cognitive part of the brain, the cerebrum, which keeps growing into
adulthood. Teenagers act impulsively and emotionally, but have not developed the ability to think
things through or consider the consequences of their actions. On the other hand, teenagers
are usually very sensitive and empathetic. It is a period when people often form strong bonds and
friendships.
- Which part of the brain is mostly responsible for emotions and feelings? Why do you
think we have feelings?

- What happens to the teenage brain? What are the results.

- What functions does the brain have? How can we study these different functions?

- Why do you think it is important for teenagers to rebel? Why is this a transitory phase?

With a partner, think of the physical and emotional changes which occur during adolescence.
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 4

HOW WE MOVE

Our body moves in response to signals from the brain. These signals travel through the
nervous system to our muscles. These contract and relax to allow us to move, hold objects,
kick balls and make other movements. The muscles are supported by the skeleton and joints.
The whole system is called the locomotor or musculoskeletal system.

THE SKELETON
The skeleton is made up of bones. There are three types of bones.
Short bones, such as the vertebrae in the spine, provide support and stability.
Vertebrae also protect the important nerves which run through the centre of the
spine.
Flat bones, such as ribs and the pelvis, protect the internal organs.
Long bones shape limbs and are used for movement.

JOINTS
Our bones are connected at the joints by strong elastic tissue called ligaments. The ends
of the bones at the joints are covered in strong, flexible tissue called cartilage. There are
three types of joints.

Fixed joints do not move. The parts of the skull are connected by fixed joints.
Semi-flexible joints, such as the vertebrae in the spine, only allow a small amount
of movement.
Most joints in the body are flexible joints which are important for movement.

MUSCLES
There are over 600 muscles in the human body. These muscles are controlled by the
nervous system which makes the muscles contract and relax. There are three types of
muscles.

Skeletal muscles are joined to the bones by tendons. They work in pairs. For example,

when the biceps contract, the triceps relax.

Smooth muscles are found in organs such as the intestines or stomach.
The cardiac muscle makes up our heart.

Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles. We can move them at will. Smooth muscles and
the cardiac muscle are involuntary muscles. They work automatically and we cannot control
them.
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 5
HUMAN BODY INTERACTION THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 6
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ACTIVITIES
What are the functions of the skeleton?

Which bones protect the respiratory system?

What is the difference between a ligament and a tendon?

Give examples of different flexible joints. Which joints do you think are most flexible?

Which muscles do we use to:

o eat our food
o throw a ball
o kick a ball
o sit on a chair

What happens to our muscles if we do not do sufficient exercise? Why is it important to keep
fit?

What should we do to keep our bones healthy?

SPEAKING ACTIVIY

READ THE CONVERSATION AND UNDERLINE SOME IMPORTANT SENTNCES.

E
N
 INTERACTION

How do you remember the way to your friend's house? Why do your eyes blink without you
ever thinking about it? Where do dreams come from? Your brain is in charge of these things
and a lot more.

In fact, your brain is the boss of your body. It runs the show and controls just about
everything you do, even when you're asleep. Not bad for something that looks like a big,
wrinkly, gray sponge.
 VIDEOS

SENTIDOS

SENSES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPRLcAjMZFc

Ear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Oy4lodZU4

Eye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH8L3i-qxuE

SISTEMA NERVIOSO

http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-your-nerves/

ACTIVIDADES SENTIDOS

http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/htbw-main-page.html